New coach for Croatia's World Cup opponents: 'We can beat anyone'

Ghana's "Black Stars" have a new leader at the helm, with Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz taking the reins ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Queiroz, a seasoned coach with experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and Colombia, has declared this role as the pinnacle of his extensive career, citing the immense pressure and expectation that comes with managing the West African nation. Queiroz's arrival in Accra was met with enthusiastic crowds, signaling the high hopes Ghanaians place on their national team. The former Real Madrid manager acknowledged Ghana's past World Cup appearances but also noted their recent underperformance. His immediate promise is one of "hard work," with a clear focus on cultivating a "winning mentality" and enhancing team unity. This approach is crucial for a nation that sees itself as a "nation of footballers" and aspires to become a "nation of champions." From a Ghanaian perspective, the appointment of Queiroz represents a significant investment in achieving greater success on the global stage. While international media might focus on the tactical aspects or Queiroz's past achievements, here in Ghana, the emphasis is on the spirit and determination he can instill. The coach's insistence on discipline, unity, and the principle that "the team is the most important player" resonates deeply. It speaks to a collective ambition where individual talent must be subservient to the national cause. The expectation is not just to qualify for tournaments, but to compete fiercely and prove that Ghana can indeed "beat anyone" when united and playing with the right mindset, a sentiment that fuels national pride and anticipation.

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After eight national teams, this is the biggest challenge in my career because when you work for Ghana, you expect nothing but victory, victory, victory